Candidate Catsimatidis?

John Catsimatidis is not yet a 2017 mayoral candidate, having neither formally declared himself to be one nor having created a campaign account with the NYC Campaign Finance Board, but he’s acting like one with frequent political appearances. Among his recent political appearances was a brief speech to kick-off a Reform Party mayoral candidate forum held last Tuesday.

Catsimatidis, who finished second to Joe Lhota in the 2013 mayoral primary, played a mixed role of potential candidate and elder statesman. He praised the six candidates seated in front of him for engaging in politics while criticizing “professional politicians” who “glom.” Catsimatidis, a prolific contributor to politicians, also spoke critically of political pay to play. He closed with a pep talk to the six candidates and possible Catsimatidis rivals, only one of whom has held elective office.